Rebounding worse than I thought

[Hoop Fan]

Stats say Nevada outrebounded SMU 45-33. That is a huge whipping on the boards. As a result, they got 60 field goal attempts to only 50 for SMU. That can't be part of the gameplan. Not sure how much a coach can do about it, but rebounding is the most serious deficiency of this team by far. And its not so much stats as it is we repeatedly give up offensive boards and second chances in crucial situations.

[PK]

One problem at a time. Last night, this team played together to maintain their lead throughout most of the second period and they never quit...they never quit. Now that is an improvement worth noting.

[OldPony]

Right you are PK. Maybwe this can teach them that they CAN be good if they keep trying. Was this a one time thing because of all the scouts? Did they learn what it takes? Was this difference only because BHop shot well for a change? The next games will tell...

[Hoop Fan]

yes it is. No doubt about it. My point is that I think the rebounding issue is such a big problem, it effects the entire team, and believe it or not getting killed on the boards can effect the attitude of the guards as much or more than anybody else because its alot to overcome and its discouraging. Having to win a game when your opponent gets 60 shots and you get 50 is pretty tough to do.

[Pony_Fan]

Pearson is the only one who boxes out I noticed when he gets playing time. Lowe is ok at rebounding...everyone else watches the others get in position.. When someone launches a 3, nobody is there to grab a rebound but that might be part of the retreat coaching to cancel a fast break, I don't know.

They did show resiliance to not quit like the other games.

[OldPony]

It's kind of funny. Rebounding has been a hallmark of Dement teams. If they didn't do anything else, they rebounded. I really think the key to this team is shooting though. When BHop or Simpson hits 42-43% or better, we are pretty good. If both do, we are very good. I liked that Isham took 8 shots last night even though he wasn't making his shot, he was getting to the line and staying involved. I'd like to see Pearson and Rack get a little more PT.

[Hoop Fan]

I really like Pearson on the floor also. He could be very good. And Rack isnt gonna develop unless he plays more than he has.

[Pony_Fan]

I am always pretty harsh, but I don't see much upside in the Rack.

Where was the great Bobby A last night? Did he quit?

[Dement-ed]

At halftime, Nevada was out-rebounding us 27-13 or so. I thought we were doomed. Way to hang tough, Ponies.

[OldPony]

I would say that saying Rack ahs no upside is pretty harsh. I think the kid is getting better and look for him to continue to develop. He certainly has more raw ability than many "big men" we have had in the past 8-9 years. I think he appears to be coachable too.

[Dement-ed]

And in an era in which some players just don't care, he wants to win. He was bouncing off the ceiling after the game last night. You would have thought he was the one who'd hit those free throws with no time left instead of Simpson. I think Rack cares and wants to get better. And if that's the case, I bet he'll work hard at it.

[Pony_Fan]

OP, how can you say that not going to many games?

[OldPony]

I try to watch him closely when I get a chance. I really thought he would have to replace Eric this year for us to be really strong. From the few games I ahve been able to see though I thought his footwork had improved greatly from last year. He is still slow and his awareness isn't quite up to snuff but he has raw talent and I liked that he worked hard this summer in some big men play. I grant that you have a better perspective but it clashes with what little I have seen.

[IslandBoy]

The rebounding discrepancy last night was a by-product of SMU's dropping four players back on defense when a shot went up. Nevada is a great transition team, but beacuse of this plan, they scored only four fast-break points all night. While we haven't been dominant on the boards this seaosn like we have been in past seasons, last night's numbers were due in large part to what I'd say was a smart game plan.

[Hoop Fan]

Island Boy - don't sugarcoat it, we gave up 19 offensive rebounds. That has nothing to do with dropping four guys back to prevent a fast break from our end.

Pony Fan - I disagree about Rack, he is very raw, but the upside is there because he has a good shot and he is more naturally aggressive than our other bigs. Case in point, didnt he knock out Pats tooth in practice? I also thought for our team to be really good he needed to be able to win the 5 spot, which would have meant more time at the 4 for Castro, and maybe some time at the 3 spot for Simpson. It hasnt happened.